Thursday, October 22, 2015

10 Items On My Christmas Wishlist

Sorry, did I just say the "C" word? I don't usually start thinking about it until after Thanksgiving, but this year, I'm getting an early start on present shopping for friends and family and while I've been at it, there are a few items that I keep coming back to again and again ... for myself.

A month or so ago, I was running around the house in socks with my camera in my hand (don't ask) and slipped on a runner rug in our entry way. I fell - hard - and my camera fell out of my hand, dashing across the wood floor like a skipping stone. I'd broken the lens and possibly the body ... luckily, I sent it off to be repaired at the Olympus shop a couple of weeks ago and they said that it was on its way back to me, in full working order. Fingers crossed! So when it is back safely in my hands, I'd love to switch the Olympus strap out for this gorgeous leather one by Figosa, an Italian company that specializes in beautiful leather camera accessories.

I remember the first thing John did when we moved into our new house this summer: he lit this gigantic Rituals candle we'd been saving for the move. Finally - we had a big enough space to warrant burning such a huge candle! Since then, it's become my ritual to go home, drop my bag on the floor and light the candle, releasing a gorgeous but subtle, calming scent into the air. But our candle's burning low (literally and figuratively) and I'd love a new one.

I stopped into the Magma shop in Covent Garden on my lunch break a few months ago and couldn't take my eyes off this print of New York by Jennifer Maravillas. She's created ones of Paris and London as well, but for some reason, it was this one that caught my attention and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it ever since! Framed, I think it would make a great addition to our study or second guest bedroom.

Yotam Ottolenghi's NOPI is one of my favorite restaurants in London. John and I love taking visiting friends and family there. Despite being a die-hard carnivore, their vegetable dishes are my favorite, and after seeing Ottolenghi speak at Stylist Live last week, I'm obsessed with wanting to try to recreate his recipes at home (apparently they have been slightly adapted to be more accessible to regular folk like me - let's hope!).Maxi (Faux) Fur Stole in Black, Zara

I love a bit of faux fur in the winter. I've actually already tried on this stole in store and loved it. It works with everything from a leather moto jacket to a long black evening coat.Sheepskin Rug from SkyeSkyns

Everytime I visit Tom and Cristy in their flat, I end up sitting on or somehow wrapping myself in their sheepskin rug - it's so warm and cozy! I've been debating getting two of these for our bedroom - they make excellent throws AND cozy places to put your feet in the morning when you're just getting out of bed.Missoni Towelling Robe

I know this is so, so silly, but years ago, John and I spent a long weekend at Tuddenham Mill in Suffolk, a luxury boutique hotel formed out of a restored mill. Our room was incredible and they had these gorgeous Missoni robes hanging by the bathtub ... we both loved them, but they seemed extravagant. I keep waiting for the prices to go down or for there to be a flash sale somewhere, but I keep missing out!

When John and I went furniture shopping a few weekends ago, we found this faceted mirror (the one in the link is the smaller size, but there's a larger one that's AMAZING!) and thought it would go really well in our main guest bedroom, above our beautiful antique French dresser. Again, the price seemed a little extravagant for a mirror (I think it was between £250 - £300) so I keep waiting for it to go on sale. Sigh.Christmas With My Family in London

So ... the exciting news is that my parents and my brother are spending Christmas here in the UK! In London! With us! In our new home!I. Am. So. Excited. This is one wish that I've already been granted and I couldn't be happier. I'm a little stressed out thinking about the logistics of it all (we've booked a trip to Paris and Bruges already) i.e. planning itineraries, getting the house ready, COOKING, etc. but I can't wait for them to see our new place. Maybe having them there will make it feel more like "home".

So. What's on your Christmas wishlist? Have you thought about gifts for others yet? Let me know in the comments below!

Ooo good list. Thanks to the new season and maybe a little due to Christmas ads I'm really in the shopping mood. I didn't realise there was a V14 for Photoshop elements, that's going on my list too! I've been looking for new scented candles so I'm going to have a look at Rituals. M&S do them (sadly not the 3 wick ones) but there's 20% off until 26 October, you just need to enter OCT15A19 at the checkout. :)

Okay so normally I'm all no Christmas before December buuuuut when it comes to wishlists that's the exception ;) I'm with you on a little bit of faux fur and Photoshop elements - I'm trying to up the snaps too!

And there I was, just talking about a Christmas list this morning on the way to school. My son writes his Santa letter during the October half-term (which I share on my blog in early December). Your list looks very interesting and how lovely that your family will be with you!

Haha, I know! There is actually a lookalike one at Next, I think (can you tell I spent a Saturday morning Googling "faceted mirror"??) http://www.next.co.uk/g415708s3#859293 It's more affordable at £150 but I don't know what it looks like in person! My parents have offered to get us the one from West Elm as a housewarming present, which is very sweet, but I am still reticent about them spending that much money on a mirror! :)

I am super excited that they will be here and that I'll get to take them to Paris and Bruges too!